I have a dog. I've had many dogs. I have loved all of them. I have cried when they've died. However, while dogs can be trained, they do some pretty stupid things. They've licked up their vomit, eaten their own waste, and chased after their own tails.
You can clean a pig up, but once you leave it alone, it goes right back to the slop you took it from. Sure, they provide us with bacon, ham, and pork, but they are very dirty animals.
Matthew 7:6 (ESV)
Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
To the Jews, dogs and pigs were considered scavengers and thus considered unclean. In fact, under the covenant of Law, one was not allowed to eat anything that came from a pig. While the west celebrates dogs as "man's best friend," the Jews considered dogs to be an enemy.
The metaphor was not lost on the Jews hearing Jesus teach on the Mount of Olives. Dogs and pigs were symbols of uncleanness, sin, and outside the covenant. Pearls symbolized something of great value; something treasured. Therefore to give something holy or treasured to dogs and pigs was ludicrous!
Some people today have an indifference to things precious. They do not value truth. They live in a world of perception rather than reality. They live like victims rather than victors. Unfortunately, they hear the Word, but do not obey it. It's easy to say, "AMEN" during the preaching. But what about obeying it daily?
Some people don't want to hear the truth. They want to be told what makes them feel good. But while the truth hurts, we must hear it and respond to it if we want to live eternally with Him!
Jesus would often teach using parables. Even the disciples were confused. However, Jesus would often take them aside and explain the meaning to them. When asked why He taught in parables, Jesus answered, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." (Luke 8:10 KJV)
Some only want to come for the five loaves and two fishes. Some only want Jesus when they're sick or in need. Not everyone is willing to follow Him. In fact, Jesus taught so "hard" one time, that 70 disciples decided to quit, stating, "this is a hard saying, who can hear it?" (John 6:60 KJV)
It is unfortunate. No one likes to see people give up. However, there will always be a Demas who forsakes a Paul, having loved this present world. But for every Demas, there is a Timothy with unfeigned faith who will endure to the end! Which one will you be?
Do you have an indifference to things precious? Do you only love the Word of God when it comforts you? What about when it corrects you? Do you still love it then?
Will you be one that says, "Lord, Lord" but refuse to do what He says to do? Or will you be one who hears the Word, responds to the Word, and bears fruit pleasing to God?
The choice is yours today. The pastor in me wants to choose for everybody, but alas, I cannot. But, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. I will not be indifferent to things precious! The Word of God is a priceless treasure to me. I value it above everything.
